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Idea Village Wireless Light Switches Recalled for Fire Hazard

Oct 22, 2009 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP

About 1.3 million Handy Switch Wireless Light Switches distributed by Idea Village Products Corp., of Wayne—formerly of Fairfield—New Jersey, have been recalled the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced.

The light switch receiver, which fits into a wall outlet, can overheat and pose a fire hazard to consumers. To date, the firm has received 14 reports of overheating, including nine reports of fire, five of which involved property damage such as minor damage to curtains, bedding or walls.

The recalled Handy Switch is a white plastic wireless remote light switch with model number KS-080 printed on the back of the receiver. A blue electroluminescent nightlight is on the front of the receiver.

The recalled Handy Switch Wireless Light Switches were sold at mass merchandisers and drug store chains nationwide, and were also marketed and sold through television infomercials and the Internet from March 2007 through July 2009 for between $10 and $15.

The recalled wireless Handy Switch was manufactured in China. Of note, defective imports from China have been making headlines in recent years; this recall of defective wireless Handy Switch Light Switches is just one of many such issues.

Also making news is the ongoing Chinese drywall disaster involving imports from that country. And, in 2008, nearly 80 percent of all product recalls in the United States involved imports from China. Products such as dog food, baby formula, toys with lead paint, and even pharmaceuticals like heparin have been found to have been made with toxic materials and other counterfeit ingredients that have long been putting United States consumers at significant risk.

The CPSC is advising consumers to immediately unplug and stop using the recalled Handy Switch Light Switch and contact IdeaVillage to learn about free remedy options. Idea Village can be reached toll-free at 1-888-655-4339 between 5:00 am and 6:00 pm Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, or at the firm's Web site at www.handyswitchrecall.com.